Texas Tech’s Jaye Crockett Inks Deal With Italian Club

Lubbock, Texas – A fixture on the South Plains for the last five seasons, Texas Tech’s Jaye Crockett has signed to play professional for Tortona Orsi Derthona in the Italian Serie 2 Silver League.

“I am really excited about this opportunity,” said Crockett. “Derthona is definitely a club on the rise and with their recent acquisitions, we have the opportunity to be successful.”

Crockett is the third former United States collegian to join the team in recent days. Derthona has also signed guard Christian Polk (UTEP) and forward Jonathan Tavernari (BYU).

Tortona earned promotion to the Serie 2 Silver League after winning the DNB League regular season and post-season tournament. The Serie 2 Silver League also features Ravenna, who is led by former Red Raider Mike Singletary.

After leading the Red Raiders in scoring for the second straight season, Crockett earned Third Team All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches, while notching Fourth Team honors from CollegeSportsMadness.com and honorable mention from the Associated Press. He was a USBWA First Team All-District selection and a First Team Academic All-Big 12 selection. Crockett was also a Dr. Gerald Lage Award recipient, the highest academic honor in the Big 12. He was also selected to participate in the Reese’s Division I All-Star Game.

Crockett is just one of five Red Raiders to record 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 100 steals and 100 assists during their career. This past season, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

“Anyone who has persevered through as much as Jaye has over the last four years, shows he has a lot of character,” said Gilad Berkowitz, Crockett’s agent and owner of Berkowitz Career Ventures. “He has an unbelievable opportunity to showcase his talent in a blossoming basketball country like Italy.”

Crockett, who had multiple offers from different clubs, worked out for several NBA D League teams, including the Dallas Mavericks’ Texas Legends.

“Jaye has had the opportunity to work out for several NBA scouts,” added Berkowitz. “It was great to get that kind of exposure in front of NBA personnel prior to his departure for Italy.”

In all, Crocket is the 23rd former Red Raider to play professionally either last season or this season.